As a result, the Empire School District hired private security to patrol around the school.

The extra patrol started one week ago, and since then, parents and students said they feel safer.

On Jan. 29, an 18-year-old was walking with his girlfriend through Creekside Park when he was attacked.

The three attackers appeared in Stanislaus Superior Court on Wednesday morning.

They are charged with first-degree murder, and attempted robbery with gang enhancements.

The defendants' next court appearance is set for Feb. 22, for a bail review.

Creekside is down the street from Hughes Elementary.

Hughes Elementary Principal Jeri Hamera said that activity, which is ongoing at the park, affects the school's after-school programs.

She said every other week, the building has a modified lockdown because of something happening at the park.

During the modified lockdown, the school gates are locked and the kids are kept indoors.

Empire School District said it's worth the money to hire the private security; patrollers get paid $40 an hour.

At some point though, the district said if this is to be a long-term solution, it will look at approving a salaried position for a security guard.

The Stanislaus County Office of Education confirmed the Empire School District is the only district in the county that has hired outside security to better protect its students and increase campus safety.

Elena Pacheco, a first-grader, said she sees the security patrol with guns and feels safe -- even if she was scared of the weapons at first.

John Collins, with Ontel Security Services, said the company's employees are trained and armed to carry firearms.

He said carrying weapons allows anyone who poses a threat to know these security guards mean business.

Hamera said ever since the private security started, the school has noticed less suspicious activity taking place, and certainly fewer modified lockdown measures.

Another part of the school's new security policy includes parents waiting outside to pick up their kids.

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